Real People, Real Achievements, No Slush.

Wolverhampton

Lacey is completely blind and is studying Special Needs and Inclusion Studies.

The study you proved possible…:
I am halfway through an under graduate degree in Special Needs and Inclusion Studies.

Your disability in your own words…:

I am blind with no light perception.

What did you need to do in order to make this study possible alongside your disability? What obstacles did you have to negotiate and how?:

The theory of the degree isn’t challenging from a disability perspective but making the university aware of your disability really helps to make the process of accessing the course run a lot smoother in general. One obstacle for me is applying the degree I am studying into practice. Because my degree involves the potential to work with children or those with challenging behaviour or communication difficulties, I have had to be realistic and make quite clear that I need to get a placement where I can be an effective worker. Other than that, encouraging children to be descriptive when describing a project they are working on or getting a child to spell out a word when reading are useful tips. I am naturally an quietly spoken person so working in small groups where I can get to know the people really helps me to participate, regardless of the situation. Also, using employment/volunteering support really helped me over my uncertainty, because even if they don’t have much knowledge on disability, they can help in talking to organisations which makes the disability excuse a little less plausable if you’ve got the university behind you. . However, selecting a university where the disability and volunteering and academic staff are supportive is the most crucial thing to get right. If you apply for a university and you get the impression that they don’t appear very accommodating, the chances are that they won’t be making your life any easier if you are having a disability related problem.

What advice would you give to someone just starting this journey?:

I could advise a lot of things, like preparing ahead, communicating with lecturers, being organised, but these aren’t always possible and let’s face it… I’m still learning half of what blind and visually impaired students advise.But the most important thing is to be yourself. Ask for help when you need it, and politely refuse offered help when you don’t. Other than that, start the journey with an open mind and be prepared for anything. Also, it is ok to admit that you are still learning and sometimes, an answer to a problem or a way round an accessibility issue is an unknown to you in that exact moment. And most importantly, study something you want to do, not just because it’s something disabled people can do.